Fast City
was distributed on CD-ROM among 12 different users to test separately. A selection
of returned feedback is discussed below.

FEEDBACK "I think
the writings in the CD-ROM are things observed and occurred in this 'Fast City',
which I think is a metaphor of our society."
REFLECTION This user suggests a recognition of narrative unity in Fast City,
as well as the intention to provide a degree of artistic commentary through
the overall story experience.

FEEDBACK "The 'X''s
itself does not only contain texts, but also has sound effects that add to the
loop music you have in the 'speaker'. So there are interaction
with the viewers audibly as well, as they are free to create their own music
with the sfx."
REFLECTION This user acknowledges an appreciation of how the interactive units
function, as well as the interactive behaviours associated with each button.
This indicates successful induction into internal conventions of Fast City
as a hypermedia story.

FEEDBACK "I like
the overall design of the page. The colors are very nicely coordinated, and
the graphics and fonts complimented one another. It is visibly appealing."
REFLECTION This statement of visual appreciation, focusing on design unity,
reflects that many readers and software users today are already schooled in
some degree of digital media literacy and aesthetics, as well as have a background
in the use of interactive and hypermedia technology; enough to critique the
effort at hand. However, this could perhaps also indicate that the user was
more concerned with the appearance of the interface rather than its narrative
potential.

FEEDBACK "It has
a grunge feel, especially with its accompanying music track and sound effects.
It helps if the intention of your message is about the filth
of the society, exhibiting dissatisfaction and/or apathy towards it."
REFLECTION As this user indicates, various media elements here play an important
role in contributing to the narrative themes, story material, mood, etc; and
activate prior knowledge of popular music genres as well as other modes of popular
culture. It is curious how this user decides that Fast City offers a
rather negative thematisation of society, and a sense of "apathy", rather than,
say, provoking a commitment to positive activism. [>]